Starts and stalls...related to transmission

So i've been trying to diagnose why my 2002 tacoma prerunner 2.7l.. starts and then stalls right away. was driving great until I noticed that trans seemed to be shifting weird or being in a wrong gear. all of a sudden it died when I was at a stop and would not restart. After tons of diagnosis (fuel, spark etc) I noticed that the only way the truck would start and run is to have the tires off of the ground(on a rack currently). I put the shifter into Neutral and it starts and runs, but the tires are turning as if in gear. Was curious if anyone has seen this before and what the resolution was. tranny toast? there is not check engine light or codes in system...

 

What happens when you start the truck in Nuetral with the tires on the ground ?
Does the truck want to go forward or does it remain stationary

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/te...warner-340-series-transmissions-write-up.html


I will also add that I have seen this thousands of times on Fords but not much with the Aisn Warner series . Solenoid #3 fails mechanicly allowing the torque converter clutch to remain in the locked position .

 

whether in park or neutral, if the truck is on the ground it starts for maybe 2 seconds and then makes a audible squeak and dies. (kinda sounds like when you turn off a 24 valve dodge diesel, if you've heard one). The only way it stays running is if I use neutral and the tires are off the ground.

 

From your explanation I would be researching how your torque converter works .
Sounds like the converter clutch is fully applied during start up.
You did mention everything was fine before this happened and you didnt get the truck stuck at anytime ?
Pull the transmission pan off and go for shift solenoid 3 .
sounds like you have two possibilities
1- Number 3 solenoid has failed or its related valving in valve body is stuck
2- Your torque converter lock up clutch mechanism has failed inside the torque converter

 

Yeah haven't had any concerns with it locking before. gearcruncher...thanks for the info. Will post what I find out.